Stuck for things to keep the kids out of the house and entertained over the summer? We’ve compiled a handful of suggestions for various activities to get children active!
The Outdoors Project
www.theoutdoorsproject.co.uk
Perhaps your kids spend too much of their time glued to the television, their clothes in desperate need of a few grass stains accompanied by mud splattered, happy faces. The Outdoors Project is designed as a solution to this exact problem. A fantastic organisation designed to get kids outside and active over the summer holidays; offering a range of activities from climbing sessions to a circus skills workshop. Founder Joel Evans has designed the project to give children the opportunity to get their hands dirty and use their imaginations in the great outdoors. From rock climbing to bush craft; founders believe these passions should be passed on to the next generation before they’re lost to the world of technology we now live in. Open to children between 5 and 12, all you need is a packed lunch and barrels of energy!
Wild Nature: woodland adventures around Brighton and Lewes
www.wildnature.org.uk
Wild Nature offers a range of family activities for younger and older children, and really aims to encourage children and parents alike to enjoy being outdoors in a naturalistic environment. Creative ideas for outdoor fun such as Nature Play, aimed at 5-8yrs, Wild Archery, 10yrs+, to my personal favourite, Bear Grylls, which challenges children to complete interactive play activities to keep the teddy bear, ‘Bear Grylls’, alive throughout the adventure, Wild Nature wants to teach kids all about leading a healthy, dynamic lifestyle in connection to the nature around them. Parents have the option of dropping off or taking part in the day’s adventures. A lovely selection of woodland adventures to keep kids entertained for hours.
Yellowave Beach Sports Adventure
www.yellowave.co.uk
An opportunity to make the most of living in a coastal city, Yellowave have set up a range of beach sports for your kids to get stuck into over the summer holidays. Perhaps some Kiwi Beach Rugby, volleyball or just some plain and simple summer fun in the sand. These unique and alternative seaside sports are a real treat for children to pick up something completely different. Tasters and kids parties are offered if you feel like giving it a try, or you can pay individually for club sessions. All ages and abilities are welcome too, and kids activities are frequently spaced throughout the week.
Brighton Kayak Experience
www.brightonkayakexperience.co.uk
Exploring the deep blue sea in your very own little boat must be a dream for many young explorers. The Brighton Kayak Experience wants to get your kids enjoying the water, growing their confidence and most excitingly, learning to kayak independently. Perhaps your little ones have never keen kayaking before or are keen kayaking fans – all abilities are welcomed. The club completely understands that paddling out in open water can be a daunting experience for children, so have incorporated confidence boosting games and activities so that children will feel at ease and thoroughly enjoy kayaking.They also offer separate coaching classes and invite parents to freely chat to them about any concerns regarding children’s requirements in the water. A brilliant summer activity to push boundaries and enjoy Brighton’s seaside location.
Pells Pool
www.pellspool.org.uk
Based in beautiful green surroundings, Pells Pool is the oldest outdoor swimming pool our country has to offer, right in the centre of Lewes! When the sun is shining and you perhaps fancy sunbathing somewhere a little less crowded and more child friendly than the seafront, this unique lido is the place to head. Entry is cheap at £4 for adults and £2 for children, and as well as the swimming pool there’s also a sun terrace where parents can relax and a paddling pool for younger children to enjoy the water. Pack a picnic to enjoy on the scenic lawn or get your hands on some of the rafts and playthings for kids to enjoy in the pool.
Alternatively you could enjoy a splash in your back garden, in your own pool, and become the most popular spot in the neighborhood. A wonderful alternative to the beach on a summer’s day.
LaserZone Brighton
www.laserzone.co.uk
Right in the centre of Brighton, LaserZone is the ideal day out with the kids when the British weather isn’t quite up to scratch. An indoor adventure that parents can take part in too if they wish, exploring a derelict spacecraft, surrounded by thrilling sounds and sounds, armed with you own laser gun! This is definitely a more active and enjoyable alternative to sitting indoors playing a video game this summer.
Barracudas Kids Camps
www.barracudas.co.uk
If you’re a busy parent stuck with ideas to ensure your children are in a safe and fun environment, Barracudas is an excellent option. Summer activity day camps for children aged between 4 and 16, based at Patcham High School and offering over 80 different activities from gym and various sports, to arts, dance and archery. The day at Barracudas starts at 8.30am and kids will be entertained all day until 5.30.; even boasting an OFSTED registration so that parents can relax in the knowledge that children are in professional hands.
Heidicompton Arts and Crafts Club
heidicompton.co.uk
Heidi Compton is a Brighton based artist who offers a summer holiday craft club at the All Saints Parish hall. She emphasises a relaxed environment where children are free to get artistic will all sorts of arts and crafts techniques; Heidi has organised several crafts club dates across August.
The day’s craft activities are broken up with various games and activities and children are free to choose which crafts they want to partake in and a free to move around whenever they want to try something new. Ideal for children who love to get creative!
Words by Lizzie Howis
